Applying to HLS as an International Student

International students are a valuable part of the Harvard Law School community. Together with the Graduate Studies program, the HLS community typically includes students from over 70 countries.

In addition to having a globally minded community, the Harvard Law J.D. degree program is one of the most internationally renowned and respected programs in the world. The J.D. degree provides an education in U.S. law, allowing graduates to practice as lawyers in the United States. Harvard Law School also offers a comprehensive curriculum in international law. Our International Legal Studies program provides resources and information about course work on campus, as well as work and research opportunities abroad.

We hope the resources and stories from our international community will provide guidance as you navigate the law school admissions process.

Application Considerations

Our admissions decisions are based on the Admission Committee’s experienced judgment applied to individual cases, and many factors are considered. The chances of admission for international and internationally educated prospective students are equivalent to those for domestically educated students.  A student’s immigration status does not impact admission decisions or financial aid eligibility at Harvard Law School. Our application components and standards for admission remain consistent for all applicants, regardless of their citizenship status.

Foreign Transcript Evaluation

J.D. Applicants: When you submit your application, LSAC provides a complete translation and summary of your transcript along with the original copy. They evaluate your transcript and convert your GPA to its U.S. equivalent. This conversion is based on U.S. letter grades rather than a 4.0 scale. This process offers us a comparative scale to effectively review your GPA and course history.

Junior Deferral Program (JDP) Applicants: Please adhere to the specific instructions found on the JDP application. If your transcript is not in English, you will need to provide an official translation.

Language Testing

Please note that language testing is not a required as part of the application. The Admissions Committee seeks to assess English language comprehension through prior coursework, standardized tests, and other required.

J.D. Admissions Events

The J.D. Admissions Office typically organizes opportunities for international students to learn more about the application process. Please check our scheduled programming on the Connect with Admissions page to find out when the event for international students will take place.

Harvard Community & Resources

Coalition of International Students for Global Affairs

The Coalition of International Students and Global Affairs (CISGA) exists to (1) improve student life for international students at HLS and (2) advocate for international students, resources, and opportunities at Harvard Law School.

Connect with CISGA

Two Canadian Students’ Path to Harvard Law

Meet Hussain and Mike, two Canadian citizens. Their experiences provide honest and helpful insights for those considering a legal education in the United States.

Read More

The Graduate Program

The Graduate Program attracts lawyers of demonstrated intellectual and academic excellence from all over the world. The LL.M. and S.J.D. programs expose students to American modes of legal education (which emphasize critical thinking and self-inquiry) as well as to substantive law, and enhance our students’ ability to do advanced scholarly work.

LL.M. and S.J.D. Program

FAQs

  • What academic programs does Harvard Law School offer for international students who have never studied law before?

    The J.D. degree is a three-year post-graduate program that first gives students the intellectual foundations for legal study, and then gives them the opportunity to focus their studies on areas of particular interest. The program culminates with a third-year paper that requires students to engage in a rigorous exploration of some aspect of the law or legal system.

  • What academic programs does Harvard Law School offer for international students who have studied law before?

    The LL.M. (Master of Laws) and the S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science) degrees are intended for students who have previously earned an initial law degree. The one-year LL.M. program provides students who already have excellent legal training and experience—many have served as practicing lawyers, judges, diplomats, community leaders—with broad latitude to design a course of study that will give them an expanded understanding of law and legal theory. The S.J.D. is a more advanced degree intended for students who wish to pursue a career in legal education. Graduates of the S.J.D. program are teaching in the world’s finest law schools and producing scholarship at the highest levels. For more information on these programs, visit the graduate program website.

  • Am I still eligible to apply to HLS for a J.D. degree if I previously studied law in a country outside of the US?

    Yes. Students who have already earned an LL.B., LL.M., or equivalent degrees are eligible to apply to Harvard Law School for a J.D. degree. However, we do not offer advanced standing or transfer credits from any previous academic program or legal training towards the J.D. degree.

  • Can I practice law in the United States with an LL.M. degree?

    No. Earning an LL.M. degree does not qualify international lawyers to sit for the bar exam of every US state or Canadian province. It is important to note that the American Bar Association (ABA) does not accredit degrees of any kind other than the J.D. Please contact the  board of bar examiners in the state to which they aspire to practice as a lawyer to determine the requirements for taking the bar exam. Contact information for all the state board of bar examiners is available at the following webpages: Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar and Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements.

  • Does it matter if my international bachelor’s degree took less than or more than four years to complete?

    J.D. Applicants: The duration of program is not an issue so long as you have met the complete degree requirements as determined by the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS). To read more about the LSAC CAS, please visit the following link.

    Junior Deferral Program (JDP) Applicants: Please verify your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.

  • What use would a J.D. degree be to a non-US citizen?

    Many global law firms outside of the United States practice U.S. law and require lawyers who hold a J.D. degree. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities for graduates interested in public service, especially with the support of the Low Income Protection Plan, which can involve international roles (e.g., positions with the UN or developmental banks). These opportunities often encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds who have a J.D. degree. Furthermore, several Harvard Law graduates choose careers in business and industry, where the J.D. degree is highly respected.

  • Is financial aid available for international students?

    Yes. International and U.S. citizens alike qualify for the full range of need-based grants. Harvard Law School treats international applicants exactly the same as US applicants for the purposes of financial aid. Any loans which the US government would give to a US applicant, Harvard will match through its own loan program.  Harvard does not offer merit-based scholarships. All financial aid is based on financial need.

    For more information about financial aid, visit the HLS Student Financial Services Office website.